Orange Roughy

Orange roughy is a deep-water fish found in the cold waters of the southern oceans, including off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. Its flesh is firm, moist, and very mild — almost buttery — making it popular with people who prefer a less “fishy” tasting seafood. It holds together well during cooking and suits baking, pan-frying, grilling, and steaming.

The fish gained enormous popularity in Australia through the 1980s and 1990s, but its slow reproduction and extreme longevity (individuals can live over 150 years) made it highly vulnerable to overfishing. Stocks were severely depleted, and strict catch limits have been in place for decades. Some fisheries have since recovered enough to allow limited, sustainably managed harvesting.

When purchasing orange roughy, look for products from certified sustainable fisheries. The fish is typically sold as skin-off fillets, fresh or frozen.